Change Display Language in Windows: Step-by-Step

Changing the display language in Windows alters the language used for menus, settings, dialog boxes, and built-in apps. This guide walks you through adding a language pack and switching to it, covering both Windows 10 and Windows 11. You’ll need an administrator account and a stable internet connection to download the language pack.

What You’ll Need

An administrator account on your Windows PC
Internet connection to download the language pack
Your Microsoft account password (if you use one to sign in)

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Press Win + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and select the gear icon.
Go to Time & Language. In Windows 11, click Time & language in the left sidebar. In Windows 10, click Time & Language directly.
Select Language & Region. Click Language & region (Windows 11) or Language (Windows 10).
Add a language. Under Preferred languages, click Add a language (Windows 11) or Add a language (Windows 10).
Search and select your language. In the search box, type the language you want (e.g., “Spanish”). Select it from the list, then click Next.
Install the language pack. On the next screen, check the box for Set as my Windows display language (Windows 11) or Set as my display language (Windows 10). Also check Install language pack if it’s not already selected. Click Install.
Wait for the download. Windows will download and install the language pack. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Sign out and sign back in. After installation, you’ll see a prompt to sign out. Save your work, then click Sign out (or restart your PC).
Log back in. Once you sign back in, the display language will be changed throughout Windows.

Common Mistakes

Not installing the language pack. Simply adding a language to the list does not change the display. You must explicitly install the language pack and set it as the display language.
Choosing the wrong language variant. Some languages have multiple regional variants (e.g., Spanish (Spain) vs. Spanish (Mexico)). Pick the one that matches your preference, as spelling and terms can differ.
Forgetting to sign out. The change only takes effect after you sign out and back in or restart. Some users think it’s broken because they didn’t restart.
Trying to change without admin rights. Standard user accounts cannot install language packs. You’ll need to use an administrator account.

Tips

Keep the old language as a backup. You can have multiple languages installed. To switch back, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, select the language, and click the up arrow to move it to the top, then sign out and in.
Use the language bar for quick switching. If you have multiple languages installed, you can use the language bar in the taskbar (near the clock) to switch between them without going into Settings.
Download offline language packs. If you’re on a slow connection, you can download an offline language pack from Microsoft’s website and install it manually. Search for “Windows language pack ISO” or use the Settings method with a local source.
Check app compatibility. Some third-party apps might not fully translate, but core Windows features will be in the new language.

Troubleshooting

Language pack won’t download. Check your internet connection, disable any VPN, and try again. If it still fails, restart your PC and retry.
Language is added but display doesn’t change. Make sure you selected “Set as my Windows display language” during installation. If not, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, click the three dots next to the language, and choose “Move up” to make it the top language. Then sign out and back in.
Some text remains in English. Some built-in apps or legacy dialogs may not fully translate. This is normal. Also, check that the language pack is fully installed (Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > click the language > Options).
Can’t find the language in the list. Make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed. Some language features are added in updates.
Sign-out prompt doesn’t appear. After installation, manually sign out by clicking your profile picture in the Start menu and selecting “Sign out”, then log back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the display language affect my files and apps?

No, your files and installed apps remain untouched. Only the language of Windows’ interface changes. Apps that support the new language will also switch, but others will stay as they are.

Can I change the display language without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, you can add a language pack and switch the display language without reinstalling. This works for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Pro, Home, and Enterprise editions.

Do I need to buy a different Windows license for another language?

No, Windows includes language packs for free. You can add as many languages as you want, and switching between them is free.

Why is my keyboard layout also changing?

When you add a language, Windows may also add a keyboard layout for that language. You can keep your original keyboard layout by going to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, clicking the language, and under “Keyboard”, removing the new layout or adding your preferred one.

Can I change the language for only one user account?

Yes, language settings are per-user. Each account can have its own display language. You need to be signed in to that account to change it.

What if I can’t read the current language to navigate Settings?

You can use the search bar in the Start menu. Type “language” (or the equivalent in your current language) and the Settings app will open to the correct page. Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut and look for the icon that resembles a globe or an “A” with a clock.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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